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England were unbeaten at home for four years and 22 Tests before their 2003 World Cup triumph, a run that included seven wins against the southern hemisphere giants. In the autumn of 2002, England beat Australia, South Africa and New Zealand in succession to establish themselves as the best team in the world.

And with the same opponents to face over the next three Saturdays at Twickenham, Robshaw said: "We have to step our game up. We know over the next couple of weeks it is going to get harder and harder."

He went on: "For myself and a lot of players it will be the first time we have played Australia and we are very excited about the challenge.

"The rivalry between England and Australia is brilliant, whether it's cricket or rugby. As players you want to be part of that rivalry. I always watch the Ashes when it's on and I grew up watching these autumn international series, watching the big teams coming to Twickenham.

"We always speak about the era leading up to 2003 when it was a fortress, teams came here and didn't get much. It takes a long time to create that atmosphere and that aura around the place. Our aim is to have that again."

England easily beat Fiji last weekend, but forwards coach Graham Rowntree also stressed the importance of regular wins over more illustrious opponents.

"We have to start beating these teams," Rowntree said. "The rivalry is there for all of these teams coming up. They are massive challenges.

"To be able to beat a very good and very experienced Australia team would be a significant feather in our cap.

"We are going in the right direction but the proof is in the pudding and it is about time we started beating these teams in the autumn series."